How to find the perfect white shirt (it's THE must-have piece for SS14)

Can't get enough of white shirts? The wardrobe classic has had an update for SS14 and they were the starting point for many of our favourite SS shows. Yes, Alexander Wang, Tod's, Derek Lam and Acne, we are talking about you. Whether it's chic and collarless, oversized or printed, we've done the hard work for you and tracked down the best out there...

(Image credit: StarPix/REX/Shutterstock)

Can't get enough of white shirts? The wardrobe classic has had an update for SS14 and they were the starting point for many of our favourite SS shows.

Yes, Alexander Wang, Tod's, Derek Lam and Acne, we are talking about you. Whether it's chic and collarless, oversized or printed, we've done the hard work for you and tracked down the best out there...

If You Are Hankering After A Silk Style...

Look no further than All Saints, Reiss, Jaeger Boutique or By Malene Birger. They all have the silky shirt market sewn up. Our favourite though is this 'Lizzy' one from Whistles. With its scoop back hem and relaxed loose fit, it screams expensive. The ideal work shirt, wear with a few buttons undone and a leather A-line skirt.

whistles shirt 01001626576_fr2.jpg

whistles shirt 01001626576_fr2.jpg
(Image credit: Whistles)

The Fun One...

Our hearts were set a flutter when we spied this in the Marie Claire fashion cupboard (see what we did there?). Chinti and Parker, the Queen's of laidback cool and lovers of organic cotton, have upped the ante with print for SS14. Wear with blue denim turn-ups and colourful trainers.

CP706.jpg

CP706.jpg
(Image credit: Chinti and Parker)

The Classic...

'A classic white shirt goes everywhere and with everything. To the beach over cut-off shorts, tucked into jeans with an easy slouchy elegance or loose over skinnies for a crisp classic look. It is the original wardrobe staple.' We couldn't agree more, Chloe Lonsdale, Founder and Creative Director of MiH Jeans, the premium British denim brand which ticks our boxes every time.

MIH white shirt

MIH white shirt

Or When Classic Just Won't Do...

Who wants simple and understated? Erm, well we do sometimes, but not since we spotted this gorge H&M number from the spring collection. With just the right amount of ruffles, it's very Saint Laurent but at high street prices. What's not to like?

henne shirts.jpg

henne shirts.jpg
(Image credit: H&M)

The One That Screams Summer...

It might be that it's got a hint of cow girl about it, or that we imagine wearing it with a golden glow, or the pretty Broderie Anglaise detail, but we just can't wait for it to be summer so we can wear this bad boy. This Emma Cook style at Matches Fashion is the perfect addition to denim - we'll be wearing it underneath our dungarees. For a more jazzy look, tuck into a flippy printed skirt and add a shrunken blazer for the perfect daytime wedding outfit. Selected Femme and Tara Jarmon also have pretty cut-out detail in their summer collections.

EMMAcook_white_shirt_Layer.jpg

EMMAcook_white_shirt_Layer.jpg
(Image credit: Emma Cook)

We Can't Believe It's High Street....

Zara has only gone and done it again, people. We have our heart set on this fit-and-flare style shirt. It will jazz up the most boring of outfits. BOOM.

zara shirt.jpg

zara shirt.jpg
(Image credit: Zara)

 

The Designer Collaboration...

Somerset by Alice Temperley at John Lewis is one of our favourite collaborations around. Four seasons in, look out for pretty separates and fun prints. Feeling confident? Style it with a full on blousy bow, failing that, leave it simply hanging down in an easy-peasy style.

Somerset John Lewis SS14 (4).jpg

Somerset John Lewis SS14 (4).jpg
(Image credit: Somerset John Lewis)

The Ultimate Work One...

If we could wear this every day to the office we would. The crisp lines, the bright white shade, the simple statement - we're obsessed. The Fold's very coolly named 'Wooster', with its structured thick cotton and nipped in waist, is the perfect partner to our trusty pencil skirt and sky-high pointy courts.

the fold .jpg

the fold .jpg
(Image credit: The Fold)

The Designer One...

Vanessa Bruno, By Malene Birger, Oscar De La Renta and Temperley London are just some of the designers on discount designer site The Outnet.com. Who says classics have to be expensive? From the people behind Net-A-Porter, these guys also have their own collection, Iris and Ink. Full of classic staples, from cashmere to leather. We are sold.

shirt THE OUTNET.jpg

shirt THE OUTNET.jpg
(Image credit: The Outnet)

When The Only Way Is To Make A Statement...

Good old faithful Boden has come up trumps again. The collections are getting stronger and stronger and are full of statement, fun pieces like this shirt. We'll be wearing ours with a mannish tux and sky-high heels to vamp up our evening look. If special details are more your thing, rather than crisp white plain pieces, check out Kirsty Ward and Oasis, which both have sparkles and tux style shirts in their collections this summer.

bodenshirtcopy.jpg

bodenshirtcopy.jpg
(Image credit: Boden)

Who Said Every Day Can't Be Sexy...

Sheer is one of this season's biggest trends, what easier way to wear it than with this white shirt from Filippa K? The key is the fabric being not too sheer - we don't want to give everything away after all. Play up the laidback look and wear with ripped jeans and suede ankle boots for an of-the-moment look. Gap and Mint Velvet also do very good barely-there cotton styles, if you hanker after the more casual look.

filippa k.jpg

filippa k.jpg
(Image credit: Filippa K)

Because Grandad Collars Are The New Cool...

An easy way to update your shirt is with a collarless detail. Show some skin, roll the sleeves up, wear with tailored skinny trousers that finish just above the ankle, or loose fitting culottes for a modern spin. This All Saints 'Alte' style is our must have for Spring. We predict it will fly off the shelves.

all saints Alte shirt.jpg

all saints Alte shirt.jpg
(Image credit: All Saints)

9 very important (and wearable) SS14 trends you need to know now.